To Call Out Is Human: To Transcend Aggression is Divine

If the famous naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough were to do field research in progressive circles, he might document in his curious tone, “The humans I witnessed sat behind their computer screens and typed with aggressive keystrokes. They appeared to be in an agitated state — their heart rates high and their sweat glands activated.”

He would be a naturalist observing facts about his subjects — the well-intentioned, yet human human.

These people — when feeling injured themselves — revert to that ever-so-human tendency to protect themselves and respond while triggered. They call someone out.

What is calling someone out?  It’s the increasingly deployed tactic of publicly — usually via web channels —  naming specific instances or patterns of oppressive behavior and language used by others. The labels are many — sexist, racist, ableist, classist…

Call outs typically come from deep wounds. They come from a place of anger. They come from a place of fear.

This post is not about shaming those who call out. To call out is human. But I believe that our world needs more humans who can do the divine; Transcend aggression.

Recently, a progressive community I care deeply about — in response to a series of call outs — published a “Code of Conduct” and a “board safety” email where people can report experiences of racism, sexism, etc…”

This approach is human. But what does divine look like?

I believe that in order for people’s behavior and conduct to be uplifted and beneficial, it can’t be based on feeling guilty or shamed. It must be anchored to a deeper truth. To manifest the kind of world we wish to see, people must feel worthy, noble and innately good.

Our attitude towards ourselves is how we behave towards others. If we start from a place of believing that we’re bad, how does that influence how we behave?

What would a “Code of Worthiness” look like?